Kukla's Korner Hockey

Heatley, who wanted a trade out of Ottawa but rejected a deal that would have sent him to Edmonton this summer, admitted he wanted out of the nation’s capital because of his diminished role with the Senators. But the Calgarian was met by a throng of fans wanting him to put pen to picture, card, sweater, shirt or any other article on hand.

“We’re all Canadian hockey players right now,” Heatley said. “We’re all going for one goal. We’re trying for one team, and the Canadian fans know that.”

The uproar surrounding him has created a perception Heatley doesn’t want to play in Canada. But the sniper, who arrived early to spend time with his family, adamantly said that’s not the case.